Toddlers, like most children, are fond of playing with water and swimming. It is great fun for both the parents and toddlers, but it could turn out to be dangerous if certain precautions are overlooked, particularly at the swimming pool. First of all, take your kids only to an authorized swimming pool, which adheres to all the relevant safety regulations and rules. You should be fully aware of these safety regulations and rules before jumping into the pool with your kids. Also, test the water for yourself to know how the depth varies and make sure you know it like the palm of your hand. If necessary swim in the pool many times to know it well before the kids are allowed to enter it.
Almost all the recognized swimming pools have well trained lifeguards who are paid to stand watchful somewhere near by while you and your kids frolic in the water. If necessary, you can request them to give some instructions and training to the kids on swimming and safety regulations. Even then, don’t be overconfident. Make sure that enough number of life guards are standing by near the pool and ask the toddlers to observe what the lifeguards are showing them and the others regarding safety measures.
Some pools limit the number of children who can accompany their parents on safety grounds. Find out if there are any such restrictions at the pool where you want to go swimming with your kids. Make sure you are with the kids at every moment while they are in the water. Some pools offer training sessions for kids before they enter water, or as part of a training program. If the pool you patronize has this facility that is well and good. Otherwise, give the kids some training in advance from some other recognized agency on swimming and other personal survival techniques.
Children, especially toddlers, feel heavy and lethargic after a meal. Let them take rest or play elsewhere for an hour before jumping into the pool. Even then, small children are not strong enough to play in the water for too long, and feel cold very soon. So, take them out of the water and as early as possible, may be, within in half an hour. Check their body at intervals to find out if they are losing body heat.
Almost all the accredited pools use some sort of methods to purify or disinfect the water. Disinfectants are mostly chemicals, which could be harmful to very young children, especially to their skin and eyes. Normally, kids below 6 months old should never be taken to the pools even if they are vaccinated against all types of infections or water born diseases. Swimming with kids is great fun, and the fun could last for a long time if safety measures are observed.
Posted on March 1st, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Baby, Child Care, Child Diseases, Toddler, bath
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